Chalcopsitta atra
The Black Lory (Chalcopsitta atra) is a striking parrot endemic to the island of New Guinea, distinguishable by its predominantly glossy black plumage offset by vibrant red markings that vary across its three recognized subspecies. Measuring approximately 32 cm (12.5 inches) in length, it possesses a long, pointed tail and a prominent orange-red beak, complemented by intense red irises. Distinctive field marks include the specific extent and location of red on its face, underparts, or thighs,...
Found in lowland tropical rainforests, forest edges, secondary growth, and plantations, typically at elevations below 1,200 meters, occasionally ranging up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily feeds on nectar, pollen, and flowers, supplemented by soft fruits, berries, and occasionally small insects or their larvae, all extracted with its specialized brush-tipped tongue.
These active, diurnal parrots are frequently observed in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming larger, noisy flocks at abundant food sources or communal roosts. They are highly arboreal, spending most of their time foraging acrobatically in the forest canopy, often hanging upside dow...
The Black Lory is endemic to the island of New Guinea and its associated satellite islands, exhibiting a non-migratory, resident distribution across distinct geographical areas. The nominate subspecies, *Chalcopsitta atra atra*, is found on the Western Papuan Islands of Batanta, Salawati, and Wai...
Least Concern
- The Black Lory is one of the larger lory species, reaching about 32 cm (12.5 inches) in length. - Its distinctive brush-like tongue is a specialized adaptation, perfectly designed for extracting nectar and pollen from flowers. - There are three recognized subspecies (*C. a. atra*, *C. a. insign...